How Important is Water To A Whitetail Deer...

How important is water to a whitetail deer? Well, This might seem obvious but the answer is very important. The thing is I think deer hunters have trouble putting Two and Two together. Let me explain. When I am looking at a new place to hunt I will always look at say Google maps or Superpages maps and do an over head view. Find where the nearest water source is to my hunting area. You can bet during early bow season and all the way through the rut for that matter the deer will be going to that water hole on a regular basis. If I can intercept there travels to that watering hole or better yet actually put my stands up on the watering hole, I feel good about my chances of harvesting a good shooter buck.
   The reason I mentioned early bow and through the rut is, early bow, even up here in western New York, we will still have some weather that is warm. The deer need the water more then. I don't have to say, when those bucks are chasing does and running all day, they with out a doubt- have to hydrate.
   It's not to say that after the rut calms down and it begins to cool off that the nearest available water is not still necessary. But not quite as in demand as these other times.
  If you look at the picture I have attached with this post, this buck has mud about a foot up on his hooves. About 40 yards from where this trail pic was taken is a pond. that is the nearest watering hole where I hunt. This deer was not crossing the water, he went down to the water to drink.

  When you are setting up stands in a new location or re-evaluating your current location, Be sure to keep in mind the nearest water source. It might make the difference.